Porsche 959SC: Modernized Supercar Killing Monster
Bruce Canepa and his shop turn the Stuttgart legend into an 800 horsepower modern car destroyer known as the Porsche 959SC.
It’s safe to bet that the majority of the US population has never seen a Porsche 959 in person. However, it’s pretty easy to see why. When they launched in the ’80s, they were never sold in the US because they did not meet safety and emissions standards. Though some people here did end up buying them, they were still technically illegal for US roadways. Owners like Bill Gates and our focus today, Bruce Canepa, had years of battling the government to allow them on US roadways. Thanks to the show and display law, they are now welcome on US streets.
As with any car, there is bound to be someone who takes it to the next level with modifications. Though the 959 is already an astounding car, Canepa opted to create the Porsche 959SC. It is his idea of the perfect supercar, and it’s an absolute monster, even by today’s standards. The story of how this beast came to be is outlined in this excellent Porsche Club of America youtube video.
The Porshe 959SC Story Starts Over 30 Years Ago
“When I first drove it, it was unbelievable. You think back, this is 1987, and this car is all-wheel-drive, six-speed transmission, twin-turbo, and did everything really well. So far ahead of the curve,” says Canepa.
Canepa brought this car into the US on a tourist visa with sponsorship from Liqui Moly in 1987. After the fight with the government to make the cars legal, Canepa sought to upgrade the car. Given that they already have to disassemble them to bring them to US emissions standards, they have the perfect opportunity for upgrades.
“Every time we’ve taken that car to the next level, it has responded by being still one of the best road cars in the world. The engineering specification they told us at the time was that it was an 825 horsepower platform. We felt we can develop this car. It has the chassis and the wherewithal to be newer for a long time. We decided to build the SC by disassembling the entire car and then rebuilding the whole car to a brand new car. Every nut and bolt,” says Canepa.
As a result of his desires, the Porsche 959SC came to life. It has modern suspension upgrades, modern turbochargers, modern engine management, and injectors. Basically, the engine has been completely brought into this era. Additionally, the car also has modern tires and upgraded brake rotors. It also has new creature comforts like exhaust valves for quiet driving when you don’t want to stand out as much. Though, not standing out in a 959 is likely uneasy to do. However, the result is one crazy car that you wouldn’t want to mess with if you saw it on the streets.
The Fiercest 959 of Them All
“It’s basically a 2.5 second 0-60 car. Flat 11 second quarter mile car. It’s a 230 mile per hour top speed car. Today, we’re making 800 horsepower,” says Canepa.
Through years and years of development, the Porsche 959SC is an absolute freak on wheels. However, that does not mean it isn’t usable. Canepa stresses that it is perhaps one of the most practical supercars out there.
“You have complete 360-degree visibility. You have room for luggage. It’s comfortable. You don’t need a lift. You’re not bumping the spoiler into things. What’s nice is our customers are using them all the time. It is one of the cars they drive quite a bit,” says Canepa.
Canepa goes on to compare the 959SC to his Porsche 911 GT2RS. He says the 959 has more grip and is faster, making it the most all-purpose supercar in the world in his eyes.
We can’t get enough of this car. Though his car serves as a testbed for their development, they do offer the 959SC conversion to Porsche 959 owners. It seems no matter what new technology comes along, Canepa and his crew are going to continue to keep the 959 relevant on both roads and tracks around the country.